Centers | EMIC

Cheryl Mele

Cheryl MeleChief Operating OfficerAustin Energy

Cheryl Mele is deputy general manager and chief operating officer (COO) for Austin Energy, the community-owned electric utility of Austin, Texas. As COO, she leads a team focused on the utilities operations and planning in the areas of power production, energy and market operations, electric service delivery, environmental care and protection, on-site energy services, infrastructure management, renewable energy development, and development and contract support for minority and small business. Mele has been with Austin Energy since 1991, and has held numerous roles in the management team including manager of Decker Creek Power Station, director of system operations, senior vice president of electric service delivery, and senior vice president of power production. In addition to delivering reliable and affordable service to Austin Energy customers, her team is focused on evolving the utility and workforce. She will lead her team through future projects and programs like smart grid, quality management using ISO 9001 methods, workforce development and training, and is responding to changing market and regulatory needs in preparation for ERCOT Nodal Market and NERC reliability and security standards.